INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The FIND Food Bank is shining a light on food insecurity in the Coachella Valley as more families seek help.
At the annual Guardians Breakfast, community members, donors, and leaders came together to discuss hunger in Riverside County. The event, hosted by meteorologist Katie Boer, aimed to educate everyone about the growing need for food assistance.
FIND’s leadership stressed how crucial collaboration is among organizations, cities, and donors to support the community, especially as living costs rise. Many families are finding it hard to make ends meet, making food banks and nonprofits vital for not just survival but for working towards a stable future.
This year, FIND received a generous $500,000 donation from Bank of America, which will aid in their mission to provide food throughout Riverside County.
One speaker shared her story of growing up in a low-income family. She found food assistance important during tough times and urged others to seek help without shame. Her experience demonstrated how critical food support was for her family’s progress, inspiring her to help others through FIND.
FIND reported over 1.5 million interactions with clients last year, distributing more than 20 million pounds of food through mobile markets and partners. The need is evident, as more families are turning up at food distributions, often resulting in longer lines.
Challenges extend beyond local boundaries. Food banks nationwide are grappling with cuts to assistance benefits, impacting communities everywhere.
Experts emphasize the importance of community involvement. Future donations, volunteers, and partnerships will be essential for FIND to meet rising demands. Recent statistics from Feeding America show that around 1 in 8 Americans face hunger, reinforcing the need for robust support systems.
As FIND prepares for its upcoming Telethon on May 1, community backing will be crucial in fighting hunger today and in the future. The organization’s role is not just about providing food; it’s about creating pathways for families to thrive.
For more information on food insecurity and the ongoing efforts to combat it, you can read more from trusted sources like the USDA and Feeding America.
